A Strategy for Addressing the Needs of Advanced Scientific Computing Using Eclipse as a Parallel Tools Platform 1 A Strategy for Addressing the Needs of Advanced Scientific Computing Using Eclipse as a Parallel Tools Platform

If parallel computer systems are to achieve the kinds of productivity improvements necessary to meet the needs of high productivity computing systems (HPCS), then a radical change will be required in how tools are developed for programmers and users of these systems. The number and complexity of tools is making it difficult for developers to access and use the tools effectively, and the lack of a common tool infrastructure significantly complicates tool development efforts. The rapid pace of change means that developing and maintaining the kinds of tools that will be needed to effectively utilize the capacity of future advanced computer systems is an increasingly onerous task. This paper proposes a strategy that will lead directly to productivity and quality improvements in the development and use of parallel applications, and that will provide a framework to guide and foster future tool development. This strategy is based on using the Eclipse platform to form the foundation of an integrated environment for parallel application development. The intention is not just to produce another set of tools, however, but rather to use Eclipse as both a focal point for tool development, and as a platform for producing highly integrated tools that are needed to meet the future needs of the HPC community.